Sixth-ranked Straughn will vie for area dominance today against Luverne in the Class 3A, Area 3 tournament in Straughn.

Straughn and Luverne will be competing in a best two-out-of-three tournament format, starting at 3 p.m.

Admission is $6 per person per day.

Straughn coach Ray Wilson said the team needs to do well in two areas in order to have success today.

“We just preach defense and pitching,” Wilson said. “If we can do that, and let that be consistent and manufacture runs and clutch hits, then I think it boils down to being solid defensively. That gives you a chance at succeeding.”

Straughn (26-11-1, 2-0) defeated Luverne in the area championship game Monday afternoon.

Both teams will advance to the South Regional tournament in Gulf Shores next week, and today’s contests determine what seed each team will place for the regional tournament.

Wilson said the team’s goal when it steps on the field at games is to improve in all areas of the game.

“I hope we’re still kind of climbing the mountain or ladder,” Wilson said about peaking at the right time. “We’re just trying to improve each and every time we step on the field.”